September marks a significant seasonal and emotional shift. September gives way to structure, new schedules, and increased responsibilities spanning various life areas like home, work, and everywhere in between. This is a season full of movement with changes like kids returning to school, offices gearing up for year-end goals, new hires entering teams, and working parents juggling tighter schedules. If it feels overwhelming, you’re not alone.

The great thing about these feelings is that transitions don’t have to unravel you! With intention, organization, and the right support, this season can be a fresh opportunity to reset and realign. Below are some ways that we can embrace these new feelings and come out on top this September.

1. Create Anchors in a Moving Season

Change often feels destabilizing because everything moves at once. The solution? Create anchors these can be simple, predictable touchpoints that give your brain and body a sense of steadiness.

  • Start and end your day the same way, even if everything in between shifts.
  • Use Sunday evenings to prep. This can look like laying out clothes, reviewing calendars, and organizing bags.
  • For working parents, post a visual weekly family schedule on the fridge or near the door.
  • Meal prep just two dinners and two lunches to reduce daily decision fatigue.

2. Manage Transitions with Microstructure

Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, pick 2–3 “transition zones” to focus on. This can look like

  • Morning routines (drop-offs, breakfast, commute)
  • Afternoon/evening flow (homework, dinner, downtime)
  • Work transitions (team check-ins, inbox management, new projects)

Give each zone a short list of what must happen, and let the rest have flexibility. This gives you control without rigidity.

3. Don’t Ignore the Mental Toll, Learn to Support It Early

Mental fatigue often builds silently during seasons of change. You may notice:

  • Increased irritability
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Feelings of being behind, even when you’re trying hard

This is the perfect time to use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You don’t have to be “in crisis” to benefit. Talking with a counselor at Capital EAP can help you:

  • Process the mental load
  • Adjust to change with clarity
  • Develop strategies before burnout kicks in

Therapy can also be helpful for your kids especially those struggling with new classrooms, teachers, or routines. Children up to age 26 are covered under your EAP benefits and can have their own EAP sessions.

4. Remember Change Means Growth, Not Chaos

Fall is nature’s reminder that change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be powerful. The trees don’t panic when their leaves turn. Neither should we. Change is a sign of movement, not failure.

Keep your focus on progress, not perfection. If your systems fall apart one week, try again the following week! You’re not behind, you’re just adjusting.

This September, take charge of the shift. Anchor yourself with structure, support your mental wellbeing early, and give yourself grace in the process. You don’t have to “get it all right” you just have to keep showing up. If you would like assistance on mastering the September shift our EAP clinicians are happy to help! Reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to talk to our intake team to set up an appointment.

By: Denelle Abel, LHMC, SAP, EAP Clinical Supervisor